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What does healthy mean for you?

Last week, Frank mentioned that is favorite author, A.J. Jacobs has a new book coming out. If you are not familiar with his work, check out his website for information about the man and his lofty goals. His most recent experiment documented in literary form has resulted in Drop Dead Healthy: One Humble Man’s Quest for Bodily Perfection. Essentially, he spends one year doing everything as healthily as possible: diet, exercise, hygiene, sleep, etc. Thus creating the capstone of his effort to become the healthiest man in the world; mind, body and soul. I didn’t enjoy his other books, actually I was never able to finish them. I’d like to check this one out though.

The conversation left my gears turning and during my solo hike later that afternoon I began to mull over the question “What does healthy mean to me: mind, body and soul?” Inspiring me and this post! Here is what I came up with:

1. Making goals and reaching them. This one definitely covers Mind. I am terrible at finishing projects. I’ve got incomplete projects galore! It does my mind good to set a goal and accomplish it! Of course… climbing a 14,000 foot mountain doesn’t leave much room for conceding defeat. I mean, you have to get back down, right?

First, but hopefully not last 14er

2. Companionship. I think this could fall under any of the mind, body or soul categories. Building a relationship is HARD work. However, it also has some of the best outcomes to keep you motivated. ❤

I'm weird. He lets me be.

3. Challenging work. Have you ever tried to run a business? It can be miserable. It’s stressful, taxing on relationships and in some cases, physically demanding (hello, 150 lb frozen drink machine). However, finding success through all of those challenges is incredibly rewarding and FUN!

"That's the good sh*t right there. TRY THAT!"

4. The good stuff, piled high! Eating delicious food keeps my body satisfied and my mind creative (I love experimenting). I may not have the chef experience that my brother has, but we definitely share a love of good food!

5. Mud on my Merrells. I love to hike! There is nothing comparable to the feeling I get when climbing a mountain and reaching a view that literally takes my breath away. Although, my fitness level may factor into that as well. Ha. Again, my mind, body and soul thank me for the workout, the challenge and the connection to nature.

6. Lookin’ good! Being fit means you not only look good, but you likely feel good. Nothing gives you confidence like comfortable fitting clothes, toned arms and the ability to walk a flight of stairs (or the side of a mountain, lofty goal?) without getting winded.

Note: Old photo. I don't have guns like that anymore...work in progress!

6. A mat that has seen better days. I am guilty of falling off the yoga wagon. I find it difficult to practice on my own, so losing my gym membership, an awkward school schedule and my lack of commitment has pushed yoga out of my life. I hope I am able to reintegrate it back into my routine because I never feel better than after a practice that opens my mind, body and soul. I think this could also be the thing that has been “missing” for me recently. Never tried yoga? There are tons of free podcasts, the library offers a never-ending selection of DVDs and your local gym likely runs classes. My campus runs a program called Healthy Moves that disappeared last year, but made a return last semester and I just got the schedule for Spring!

**Contest alert! I stopped by a new blog today, Donald over at Running & Rambling does product testing and reviews and is giving away a pair of Merrell Barefoot Road Gloves. Stop by, leave a comment and you’re entered! Good luck!

Welcome to my blog! I'm a college student, lover of life (how cliché) and job hopper extraordinaire. I'm here to share my pursuit of a happier, healthier life through fitness, food and the quest for the "perfect job." So hi, I'm Katie. Read on! Contact me anytime at: nibblennosh@gmail.com